After thinking this over for many weeks and. . .

[graywarrior]

. . .after nearly 9 years as a DU member, I have decided to permanently call it quits. I am bidding farewell to the people whom I have most in common; those who have been shunned and confined to express themselves at the Obama forum. Gone are the days of freedom to express opinion and support democrats without the fear of being attacked and schooled on Obama's policies.

GD and GDP have become a haven for idiots; an institution run by inmates who are hateful, mean and ignorant and have no real understanding about how US government works. I can no longer read any more drivel from people who spew false outrage with indignation and pretend that they really believed Obama was someone other than he claimed to be. DU sounds like FR or a teabaggers rally.

Neither can I tolerate the underhanded flame baiting threads--the polls designed to denigrate and bash a president who has been handed a giant bag of shit created and maintained by republicans and the people who cheer them on—people right here at DU. If Obama loses the next election, it will be because idiots on our side have divided us into factions. These are people who would rather drive home a point to prove that they are correct regardless of the bloody pulp they make of fellow posters. Saddest of all is that most of them know nothing about government or political process yet, they insist on offering advice and guidance to a president whom they voted for but now believe is evil and a liar.

I am a democrat, not a progressive. I joined Democratic Underground to support democrats—candidates and those who vote that way. For years I felt assured that this was the once play I could log on to and find those who thought and felt as I did. We became a tight group of misfits who worked at a common cause of poking fun at and defeating George Bush’s party in 2008. Now, I am personally forced to watch what I write just in case an Obama hater, or some stupid ass who takes the duck seriously, feels it necessary to insult me and insult the intelligence of the good people who want to just support their own ideas about who they like as their president.

I am very sad that it has come to this. I usually am capable of taking a lot of crap; I can laugh it off, ignore it, not take it seriously—it’s just a forum. But no more. I have had it. Gone is the common bond I felt with DU as a whole. I cherish the friends I have made here and will stay in touch with them. I bid DU farewell and good luck. If things change around here, find me on face book and let me know. Until then, I will leave behind an important part of my life because it has become too toxic; the poison allowed to seep into every vein of this place--like the oil poisoning the Gulf.

Qwaaking off for good now, kids.

Later,
graywarrior

[Raine1967]

1. Now this saddens me very much.

It was people like you that actually helped to get the nerve to post on DU.

:(

I cannot say I don;t understand your reasoning, graywarrior.

[JohnnyLib2]

2. Understood, but

Aw, geez. A bright light goes dark. ;( :cry:

[Number23]

3. There was post in GD-P that said "post something positive about the Pres"

Do you know that folks here got upset about that isht?? Like, "how DARE you be happy with anything this man has done!??" People actually posted in the thread how happy and proud they were to unrec it. How stupid are you and how boring is your life that you get ANGRY that everyone isn't as miserable and idiotic about things as you are??

Folks posting 6,7 and 8 times in this one thread about how the only good things they could say about the Pres was that he was "handsome" or some other such idiocy. If you hate the man that much, why do you need to shout about it?? How does your going on and on about how much you dislike this man (who has NO idea that you as an individual even exist) help you? How does this make your life better??

I like Obama alot and that ain't changing no matter how many miserable nutcases on here try so desperately to change that. I wish that they could see the true futility and insanity of continuously coming here and trashing this man. It's so stupid and such a complete waste of their time.

[HughMoran]

12. word

[Peacetrain]

4. graywarrior,, I hope you will check in and see this..

You will be missed.. and I understand what you are saying.. you were one of the reasons I joined DU..I never told you that..but I would lurk and read your posts.. really enjoyed your thoughts.. My name is Emily.. and I hope that later is not forever.. so see you later graywarrior.. maybe when the weather is cooler, see you later.. not goodbye!

[OregonBlue]

53. I understand but I really believe that the trolls are trying for this very effect. We need good Dems

to stick around and force them out. I know it's hard. I have posted very little for the last many weeks. It's so nasty around here I only browse the posts by people I trust and ignore the rest but, if we all leave, they win.

[Number23]

5. Sorry. I clicked on that "Say something good thread" right before I saw yours

and was caught offguard by the amount of sheer stupidity contained within. Didn't mean to go off on a tangent in your thread though.

[RoyGBiv]

6. Well, this just sucks ...

Understandable, but it sucks.

[goclark]

7. I feel your pain greywarrior ~

Please check in often.
Maybe one day we will sll be surprised at a fresh start. :hug:

[DFLforever]

8. I know how you feel, graywarrior

"Saddest of all is that most of them know nothing about government or political process yet, they insist on offering advice and guidance to a president whom they voted for but now believe is evil and a liar."

It's the sheer stupidity that finally got to me. Many appear clueless...others are simply nasty.


IBTL

[elleng]

14. Agree

[POAS]

9. It is getting harder and harder to find

intelligent, thoughtful posters and discourse here at DU.

It just got much much harder with your departure Graywarrior.

[SeattleGirl]

10. Aw damn.

I am so sad about this, and I am angry too. Not at you, but angry because I know exactly what you mean. I remember the time when DU was a place where I could get good, solid information about people and issues that wouldn't show up in the M$M for weeks or months, if at all. There are still posts like that on DU, but not anywhere near as many as there used to be. Now, I find post after post after post that are based only on conjecture (but are written as if they are the God's honest truth), exaggeration, and outright lies. Sometimes it's like reading a fucking tabloid because of the "OMG, you have to look at THIS!!!!!!" nature of so many posts, many of which are posted for the sole purpose of bashing Obama and tearing him down (and bashing those of us who don't think he is Satan incarnate).

I am sad to see you go, gray, but I understand, and I wish you well. :hug:

[HughMoran]

11. Not only do I enjoy your posts, but you had an insight into DEMOCRATIC politics here in NE

That I can't find anywhere else. :cry:

What the heck am I going to do during election time? Listen to a bunch of malcontents who will say "he/she deserved it" when the Democrat loses? Uggh :(

And I agree - the lack of basic political common sense is stunning at times - never mind technical or otherwise. It's easy to "rally the troops" with posts designed to hit the reflexive K&R!!11!!one!111!!, but what does this accomplish? Nothing. It strokes the egos of those who know they have a captive audience of "ditto heads". There, I've said it. Hate me, I don't care. Teh stupid is too strong - I can't blame you for wanting to flee - it's really frustrating at times. I'm sure this will all go down the memory hole - it's too bad that constructive criticism of Democrats is allowed (yet little of the criticism is constructive), but criticism of the lack of constructive criticism is NOT allowed. :(

[yowzayowzayowza]

13. “May the road rise up to meet you,

may the wind be ever at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face
and the rain fall softly on your fields.

And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

:hi:

[cliffordu]

15. Dammit.

Peace go with you, greywarrior.

:cry:

[Political Tiger]

16. Another smart, reasonable and valuable poster leaving

When are the administrators (not talking about moderators) going to wake up and see that if they don't do something to curve the absolute hatred of Obama on this site there will be nothing left but absolute hatred of Obama on what it increasingly erroneously named "Democratic" Underground.

How come we only hear from Skinner is when he is trying to raise money?

In the past few days I've seen Obama called an "imbecile," an "idiot," an "asshole" and one person came right out and said, and I quote, "I hate his fucking guts!"

This on a website that proclaims "Democratic Underground is an online community for Democrats and other progressives. Members are expected to be generally supportive of progressive ideals, and to support Democratic candidates for political office . . . People who repeatedly and willfully break the rules, or who generally engage in rude, anti-social behavior, will be banned. It doesn't matter if you are a fellow progressive, a long-term member of this community, or a donor?"

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

45. +1 - The problem starts at the top.

The fucked up thing is, all Skinner has to do is ban about 20 people, and a lot of this problem is solved. He wants it both ways, but he's going to learn that's not possible, one way or another.

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[JohnnyLib2]

18. Thanks to the moderator.

Sigh.

[Cary]

20. Sorry to see you go.

Yeah, we understand. Unfortunately it seems that it is only we of the BOG who do understand. :(

[Bobbie Jo]

21. Damn, I hate this.

I'm sorry to see you go, but at the same time I understand completely. My visits here as of late have been few and far between for the same reasons.

FWIW...I am in total agreement with every word. When the same 12 posters can continue to piss in the pool, its no wonder people don't want to swim in it anymore.

Take care, graywarrior. You will be missed. :hug:

[Cha]

22. I appreciate your

OP telling us goodbye, graywarrior, because your analysis of what is wrong is dead on.

I thought this might be coming because there were a couple of strong indications in the last months leading up to this.

I hate it but understand it.:hug: I hope there is a reason for you to be contacted on facebook!

[Uzybone]

23. the best continue to leave

and I don't blame them one bit.

[Patsy Stone]

24. I'm really sorry to hear this.

I usually just come in, take a look around, and try not to let it get to me. There's still a lot of good stuff, in between the bullshit, and I can't let a bunch of anonymous people on a website make me crazy. It also helps when you realize they aren't the majority. They're just loud.

Please, reconsider. The place wouldn't be the same without you.

[LeftyFingerPop]

25. I'll miss our banter, and I'll miss knowing you are here.

I wish you the best in life.

[BuelahWitch]

26. I will just say I'm sorry to see you go

and join LeftyFingerPop in wishing you well.

[azmouse]

27. You have always been one of my favorite posters.

You always will be.

Your departure leaves a hole that will not be filled.

I hope you have an amazing life away from DU.

Be well, my friend.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

28. Oh, damn...

So many of the cool people are leaving -- but I understand why. The pervasive nastiness and sheer stupidity is why I mostly hang out in the Lounge. :(

[NYC_SKP]

29. Graywarrior, among other significant things here, began this board's longest thread...

First I'd like to tell about how graywarrior and I became friends. A Democratic candidate in race local to gray had her signs ripped up, trashed, then thrown on her lawn in the middle of the night, by hateful RWers.

She started a campaign on this board and raised over $1,000.00 for this candidate to replace her signs, and I got involved in that action almost two years ago.

This is just one example of what makes this board great, and emblematic of the person we know as "graywarrior".

A Great DUer, a Treasure.

`````
Now this longest thread she began in the DU Lounge titled, "I want to create a thread that never dies", may seem insignificant to some, but to me and a few others it's become a ritual to post there often and it's something of a tribute to gray, IMHO.

I created a shortcut link to post a reply to avoid the long load time.

If you care to kick the "Thread that Never Dies", please use this link...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=post&forum=105&topic_id=8358611&mesg_id=8358611

What a warm surprise for her when she visits, or returns, to see it still kicking.

graywarrior: A DU Treasure.

:patriot:

[Cha]

30. Wow..I never go to the lounge..

but now I'm number 4225 in the longest thread on DU.

I know she's a treasure ..I can't fucking believe this.

[NYC_SKP]

31. DU's 50,000,000th post is also in that thread...

It's a classic, like graywarrior.

:hug:

[HughMoran]

32. 4226

[POAS]

36. How can you tell the difference

between the Lounge and GD or GD:P?

I often have to double check to make sure I'm not in the lounge!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

37. It's easy. Lounge people are sane.

[POAS]

39. !.

:rofl:

[Peacetrain]

35. Number 4230!!

[Born_A_Truman]

33. :(

Today is my birthday and it started out badly ...

and now this.

:cry:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

34. damn.

I am going to miss you.

[Call Me Wesley]

38. Well, sucks. :(

But ... Seeya elsewhere. :)

[MilesColtrane]

40. I'll miss you, my dear.

Have a good life.

I know quite a few here that would welcome you with open arms should you ever change your mind and return.

[Fire1]

41. I'll miss you, gray! Though I'm not on here as much anymore,

either. I DO hope you PM me every now and again to say "hey" and let me know how you're doing. Much love to ya and be careful out there.:hippie: :hug:

[Texasgal]

42. Shit...

Just shit.


Please come back GW, we are all still here and we need you. :(

[blogslut]

43. No, please don't go

At least don't go forever.

I understand how you feel. My ignore list is longer now than it was during the primaries. Sometimes I get so pissed off with the poo-slingers it takes every bit of my strength to keep from typing things that would surely get me banned. That they could drive someone that I admire (you) away is unconscionable.

I pray you come back. I lost the freed duck graphic the last time I formatted my hard drive - again. I shall look forward to the day that you will give it to me - again.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

44. Farewell, Gray.

You will be missed more than you know. Unfortunately, those who miss you (like myself) might be joining you soon in leaving.

[uppityperson]

46. bye duckie.

I'm back to tell you goodbye, am out of here also. It is too much, I agree with you. Will check back at some point, answer any pms but this place has become too toxic. Tata duck.

[SeattleGirl]

48. Aw geez, not you too!

:cry:

[goclark]

47. I couldn't have said it better

I'll soon be right behind you.

:fistbump:

[demtenjeep]

49. I too understand the sentiment behind this

I don't recognize this place any more. There are so many people that constantly bash Obama and after the last 8 years,I just don't understand it. We worked so hard to win back the white house and now that we have it, they want to bitch ALL the time about what he has or hasn't done.


We (some of us) are our own worse enemies.

I have a thread right now in GDP and it has over 100 replies. 99 of them are bashing me or Obama

[Swede]

50. I hope you can return soon.

It's been nice reading your posts.

[Haole Girl]

51. Wow, I just saw this

Only because someone posted a link in the Lounge.

I wish you well, to, gray. And I hope you come back!

[FrenchieCat]

52. We need you here!

:cry: